World Heritage Listing for George Town

On 7 July 2008 Melaka and George Town were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage inscription validates the "Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca" as places with unique cultural assets, representing three Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs):

• exceptional examples of multicultural trading towns permeated with layers of history
  
• living testimony to the cultural and religious diversity reflected in our multicultural living heritage, and
  
• intact townscapes of vernacular architecture, particularly of shophouses and townhouses.

For further information
UNESCO World Heritage website
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1223

George Town: The Challenge of World Heritage Listing
by Khoo Salma Nasution
Heritage Asia October-December 2008
Click here for pdf article

Why Sustainable Cultural Development?

Penang's progress - as a multicultural society, seaport, tourism destination and manufacturing base - has always been predicated upon its position as a sub-regional trading hub with a robust local economy that is open to international interest. Penang's future hinges on how it can increase its attractiveness as a place to live, a city to invest in and a cultural tourism destination. At the same time, improvements in quality of life, a revitalized economy and a flourishing creative sector will help to retain and nurture its young people. Recognizing that - more than anything else - it is the World Heritage listing and Outstanding Unviersal Values that set George Town apart from other cities, how do we build upon this potential?

• The World Heritage listing is a great boon for George Town. It also entails the following challenges:
  
• How do we capitalize on the World Heritage listing to ensure socio-economic benefits for its stakeholders?
  
• How do we safeguard the Outstanding Universal Values amidst current pressures of unsympathetic property development, neglect of heritage assets, declining inner city population and loss of traditional trades?
  
• How do we build upon our cultural resources to create a rich cultural life for both locals and visitors?
  
• How do we upgrade the urban environment, thereby improving the city's environmental sustainability and 'liveable' index, yet ensure a place for people of different backgrounds and socio-economic levels?
  
• How do we broaden our awareness, skills and knowledge base in order to facilitate the city's cultural development?
  

Exploring New Approaches for George Town

The George Town WHS has the potential to be a regional centre for cultural tourism, creative industries, education, environmental initiatives, events, food, leisure, retail and services. George Town needs to explore strategies to stimulate public and private sector investments in conservation and infrastructure improvements. It is hoped that the conference will introduce new ideas about the role of heritage, eco-sustainability and design in value creation.

• Among the areas being discussed with regard to George Town's sustainable cultural development are:
  
• Cultural development - food, heritage, crafts, performances, festivals, green businesses, IT & communications, culture & design businesses
  
• Heritage Industry - heritage management, restoration, preservation, building management, risk assessment, improving industry standards
  
• Education & Training - restoration skills, cultural interpretation, site management, establishing a resource centre
  
• Sustainability - incorporating green technology, improvement of landscape & infrastructure, transport, responsible tourism
  
• Co-existence - cultural identities, affordable housing, social inclusion, gender participation, the 'Street of Harmony'